IDAHO DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION UNVEILS NEW PROJECTS FOR BILLINGSLEY CREEK, THOUSAND SPRINGS STATE PARK

08/10/2017

HAGERMAN (August 10, 2017) - The Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation (IDPR) officially unveiled new projects slated for the Billingsley Creek Unit of Thousand Springs State Park Wednesday at a local event. Park plans include the construction of a new visitor center, a campground, entrance road improvements, trails and enhanced fishing/paddling access.

“Thousand Springs State Park is a testament to why this rugged portion of southern Idaho is called the Magic Valley,” said David Langhorst, IDPR Director. “Our goal is to maximize the potential of these special places and create opportunities that will draw more interest to unique attributes of the area while complementing the community and efforts to accommodate growth.”

Initial funding for the development within the park will come from the sale of the Vardis Fisher property. Sold in 2015, the revenue was ear-marked for projects within the Billingsley Creek Unit of Thousand Springs State Park. Additional funding will be sought through competitive grant programs, such as the Recreational Vehicle Fund (RV registration fees), the Land and Water Conservation Fund (Federal oil and gas excise taxes), or the Road and Bridge Fund (State Fuels Taxes).

“It was important to the agency that we remain committed to developing Billingsley Creek in a manner that would satisfy as many recreational needs and interests as possible,” said Gordy Hansen, Idaho Park and Recreation Board Member. “We challenged out staff to explore innovative designs and cutting-edge outdoor opportunities, a few of which will soon be part of the Billingsley Creek experience.”

Elevated camping will be a new feature of the Billingsley Creek Unit. The agency plans to install three (3) of the 14’ x 14’ structures that will rest upon platforms, rising 8-10’ from the ground. It’s anticipated that the units will sleep at least four adults and provide unique views of the park.

IDPR will appeal to the legislature winter, 2018 for use of the earmarked funding. With spending authority, the agency hopes to begin the project design and review phase by fall of 2018.

“Once we have approval from the legislature to move forward with these exciting projects, we will begin and anticipate returning to the Hagerman Valley in fall, 2018 to begin construction on the new offerings at the Billingsley Creek Unit to the public,” said Langhorst.

Proposed future projects for the Billingsley Creek Unit include an amphitheater, entrance kiosk, interpretive displays, repairs to the indoor riding arena, a large group picnic shelter and group camping area.

The state of Idaho began acquiring land in the region in 1970, bringing what is now known as the Malad Gorge Unit into the Idaho State Park System. The most recent addition to the Thousand Springs State Park Complex was Ritter Island, a donation made by the Nature Conservancy of Idaho in 2006.

Additional group-use and overnight accommodations will soon be available at the Ritter Island Unit. IDPR hopes to begin accepting reservations for recently renovated facilities as early as fall, 2017.